1x or 2x AA edc/general purpose light

[WYlightGUY]

List,

This thread is an extension of the XP-G/XP-R thread below.

Having searched through the forums, I see where many are looking for the "perfect" AA light. I am guessing the flexibility of the AA cell (14500, etc.) is a deciding factor.

I have decided to move away from the 123A cells to the AA. Now having sold my L1, I have a few more $$ to expand my list of choices for my replacement torch.

I want to be able to:

1) use AA NiMH rechargables/alkalines for now (14500's in the future),
2) carry in pocket (4-6" / 11-15cm) length,
3) have a 'simpler' clicky UI for high and low (variable or programable is ok as long as I can set it and forget it). Some twisting is ok if need to program, etc.,
4) have a nice combo of flood and spot (by this I mean I am not looking for the longest thrower or to blind somebody - just a nice versatility),
5) hopefully have at least 100-150 lumens OTF on high, and a nice low setting (checking on the kids at night kind of thing),
5) have the price be < $175 USD

For the 1xAA there have been excellent recommendations for the Zebra SC50. I have heard good stories about the RA clicky, the D10 R2, the T20/P20, and the Quark AAs.

I am only buying one light, and I guess now that I have a little more $$, I am wondering if there are other alternatives (especially if I go to 2xAA).

Many thanks for the board's patience. The knowledge here, and willingness to help are much appreciated.

 

[matt4270]

Quark AA or AA2, pick one and buy the other body later for $20-, as these are modular. Fenix LD10 or LD20 is another good modular option. This is a great time too be in the market for AA lights!:twothumbs

 

[jcw122]

Another suggestion for the Quark series by 4Sevens. Powerful and versatile lights. For simiplicity you might want to check out the Tactical UIs for Quarks. You can program 2 modes at a time (Tightened and loosened). I find this simpler than the Regular UI because I normally only use Low and Turbo. At the same time, I like being able to access other modes if I ever need them. So far my uses for Moonlight have been limited to finding things in a room with people sleeping, but it has been very useful for that.

 

[Per-Sev]

List,

This thread is an extension of the XP-G/XP-R thread below.

Having searched through the forums, I see where many are looking for the "perfect" AA light. I am guessing the flexibility of the AA cell (14500, etc.) is a deciding factor.

I have decided to move away from the 123A cells to the AA. Now having sold my L1, I have a few more $$ to expand my list of choices for my replacement torch.

I want to be able to:

1) use AA NiMH rechargables/alkalines for now (14500's in the future),
2) carry in pocket (4-6" / 11-15cm) length,
3) have a 'simpler' clicky UI for high and low (variable or programable is ok as long as I can set it and forget it). Some twisting is ok if need to program, etc.,
4) have a nice combo of flood and spot (by this I mean I am not looking for the longest thrower or to blind somebody - just a nice versatility),
5) hopefully have at least 100-150 lumens OTF on high, and a nice low setting (checking on the kids at night kind of thing),
5) have the price be < $175 USD

For the 1xAA there have been excellent recommendations for the Zebra SC50. I have heard good stories about the RA clicky, the D10 R2, the T20/P20, and the Quark AAs.

I am only buying one light, and I guess now that I have a little more $$, I am wondering if there are other alternatives (especially if I go to 2xAA).

Many thanks for the board's patience. The knowledge here, and willingness to help are much appreciated.

Well up until the price point you were descriping the McGizmo Haiku XP-G 2XAA light if you could increase your price point the Haiku is a great light and with 6 lumens on low that is the level I use the most around the house I find that I only use the two other levels when I am outside or in the daylight to light up the shadows. My second choice would have been a RA Clicky but I did not like the pocket clip and the McGizmo has the best clip out there. My logic was that I could buy a lot of OK lights or one that would do everything I wanted and built to last the rest of my life. Its hard not to want to buy more lights but when you use your McGizmo you know where your money went.

 

[WYlightGUY]

In my research I just came across the:

Olight T25 and
Dereelight c2h and javelin models.

Anybody have good/bad reviews about these?

How much for the Haiku? Something tells me it is mucho $.

 

[jcw122]

By the way, don't forget the price of batteries and chargers, they aren't a minor expense. At least to a college student

 

[Flying Turtle]

Try a QMini AA. Relatively cheap and highly effective. After you've tried it awhile if you still want a clicky go for a Zebralight if the upcoming LiteFlux LF5XT hasn't emerged.

Geoff

 

[ToNIX]

Have you checked the 4sevens Quark?

 

[Per-Sev]

In my research I just came across the:

Olight T25 and
Dereelight c2h and javelin models.

Anybody have good/bad reviews about these?

How much for the Haiku? Something tells me it is mucho $.

My Haiku was $500 for the XP-G 2XAA sometimes the cost of something at first is high but when you think long term it makes more sense. I did not want to spend this much on a light either but when I consider the materials and the quality and that everything is easily fixed or upgraded as needed then it seemed to justify the cost. I also have a Quark Turbo 2XAA XP-G R5 and it is still in the box as new but that's not to say it not a nice light but my Haiku seems to be a do all light for me so the Turbo will just sit around till I need two lights for some reason or a friend needs a light and you can buy the Turbo for around $74 that is something to consider.

 

[Lommelygte]

Take a look at the Jetbeam Jet-I PRO v3.0 - read this thread.

I just bought one myself. I love it! :twothumbs

 

[Zatoichi]

In my research I just came across the:

Olight T25 and
Dereelight c2h and javelin models.

Anybody have good/bad reviews about these?

I have a T25t. I like it, it's not a bad light at all, but I bought it a long time ago. Unless it's an updated version or very cheap, I think you can find something better out there in AA. If I were after an AA light now I'd probably go for a Quark AA. The T25 is fine quality-wise though, and I personally like the UI.

 

[OCD]

How about the Jetbeam RRT-0. With the extender, you can use 1xAA...alkaline:sick2:, lithium, NiMH or even 14500. And if you decide you want to go back to CR123's, you can do that too. Lots of versatility in one light with a great form and UI....IMO.

 

[JaguarDave-in-Oz]

Unless you particularly need a real bias towards throw, I'd have to ring the Quark AA-R5 bell too. The tactical version can be programmed to any two of your personally selected brightness levels and the torch is A1 ratified for 14500 use too. Small enough to fit in any pants pocket yet has decent grip in the hand too. A very good all round pocket torch.A bonus is the fact that you can buy a 123 tube and an AA2 tube to fit it too.

 

[WYlightGUY]

It appears that the Quark tactical^2 in AA is a real contender for my replacement edc.

Csshih's excellent Quark tint review suggests that the neutral white color would be the best for me (outdoor and indoor usage).

I don't see a neutral XP-G available for this light at 4sevens. They have a limited run of warm Cree's now, tho....

Are there neutral Tac^2 XP-G's around? If so, where do I find one????

 

[8Fishes]

It appears that the Quark tactical^2 in AA is a real contender for my replacement edc.

Csshih's excellent Quark tint review suggests that the neutral white color would be the best for me (outdoor and indoor usage).

I don't see a neutral XP-G available for this light at 4sevens. They have a limited run of warm Cree's now, tho....

Are there neutral Tac^2 XP-G's around? If so, where do I find one????

AFAIK, neutral whites came around about a year ago, but weren't XP-G's anyways. They were a limited run XP-E Q3. The WW's running now are XP-E Q5 if I'm not mistaken.

 

[ugly_giddy]

...... A very good all round pocket torch.A bonus is the fact that you can buy a 123 tube and an AA2 tube to fit it too.

so do u mean i can just swap batteries with their respected tube using the same head?

if you can ill get the quark now.

i had been looking for another light as a backup and ive ended up with these 2 :

quark AA R5 tactical
quark 123 R5 tactical

thanks!

 

[JaguarDave-in-Oz]

so do u mean i can just swap batteries with their respected tube using the same head?

if you can ill get the quark now.

Yes. As long as you get the AA/AA2 head you can use a whole range of batteries and tubes. Single 123, single RCR123, single AA, double AA, single 14500, single 17670 and single 18650. The only battery combination you can't use is 2x123, 2xRCR123 or 2x14500.

 

[shark_za]

I concur.

Quark AA with 2xAA spare body. You decide if you want 100 or 200 out the front.
+
Maha C9000
8x Duracell or Sanyo pre charged cells.

Should all come in below your budget.

 

[shadovv]

Have a look at my thread and poll for a few light suggestions.
http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?311450-AA-light-with-decent-throw-flood